Sterling Heights approves non-discrimination ordinance

After nearly four hours of impassioned testimony from those on both sides of a controversial proposal, Sterling Heights City Councilwoman Maria Schmidt took the microphone to explain her impending vote Tuesday night.

“I have truly struggled with this decision,” Schmidt told her colleagues and what remained of an overflow crowd at the city’s council chambers. “… Tonight, I’ve decided to err on the side of protection, not exclusion.”

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Sterling Heights became the latest community in Michigan to adopt an ordinance that includes protection for gay and trans-gender persons in housing, accommodations and employment.

The council approved the measure, with one minor amendment, by a 7-0 vote.

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“I think what we’ve done here tonight is an expansion of civil rights,” said Mayor Richard Notte. “… It’s the right thing to do for this city.”

Nate Shannon, co-chairman of a group called 1SH (One Sterling Heights), which pushed for the ordinance, praised city officials for their action.

“1SH is very happy with last night’s unanimous outcome,” Shannon said. “We applaud the council for voting in favor of equality, fairness, and justice”.

More than 30 communities in Michigan have adopted similar ordinances, but Sterling Heights is the first in Macomb County to take the step. The ordinance carries with it a maximum fine of $500 for each violation.

The council’s decision came after dozens of audience members paraded to the microphone to plead with elected officials to either adopt or reject the ordinance.

The crowd was sometimes raucous, but mostly respectful, as speakers from students to long-time residents offered their reasons to adopt or reject the proposal.

Many opponents of the ordinance tapped religious themes for their opposition. Specifically, many expressed concern that their own rights to oppose homosexual behavior would be curtailed if the ordinance passed.

“We want everybody to have equality, but we don’t want to restrict our freedoms,” said Senna Elias, a long-time resident.

City firefighter Jeff Duncan appeared in large part to support two of his fire department colleagues who are gay.

“I happen to be an atheist, and I’m fortunate there are already laws in place to protect me,” Duncan said. “… The same cannot be said yet for (the two gay firefighters).